The K12 standards work recognizes that students in the United States are now competing in an international environment and will need to meet international benchmarks to remain relevant in today’s workplace. We are pleased that both college and career readiness have been considered as the standards were developed and view this work as foundational in the effort to address the full range of academic, employability and technical skills that students need to be successful. ACTE looks forward to working with NGA,CCSSO and states as the K12 standards are implemented.

The common core standards finally make real the promise of American public education to expect the best of all our schoolchildren. The K12 Common Core State Standards represent a major advance in standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts. They are grounded in evidence about what it takes for high school graduates to be ready for college and careers and build on the finest state and international standards.

We believe that this initiative is a critical first step in our nation’s effort to provide every student with a comprehensive, content rich and complete education. These standards have the potential to support teachers in achieving NEA’s purpose of preparing students to thrive in a democratic society and a diverse, changing world as knowledgeable, creative and engaged citizens and lifelong learners.